BULLPEN AGAIN FAILS TO HOLD LEAD IN 5-3 LOSS
If the Pericos de Puebla expect to halt the juggernaut that is the Toros de Tijuana they must get more support from the bullpen. In both losses the relievers failed to hold a tie game or a lead turned over to them by the starters. Although the starters have not been perfect they have the free swinging Toros to a manageable offensive output.
Tijuana took an early lead when Cyle Hankerd homered, on a line drive to left, bringing home Corey Brown for the 2-0 lead after 3 innings.
VIEW Garanzuay's home run here. Puebla struck back in the top of the 4th. With one out, Jesus Arredondo doubled and came home on a double by Ricky Rodriguez. One out later, Hector Garanzuay hit a drive to deep right that cleared the wall with room to spare driving in Rodriguez and giving the Pericos a 3-2 lead.
Juan Apodaca tied the contest in the bottom of the 6th inning with a home run to left off Perico's starter Jaime Lugo. WATCH APODACA'S Home run here!
Roberto Lopez led off the bottom of the 7th for the Toros with a double to left. After a Corey Brown ground out, moving Lopez to third, The Pericos brought in reliever Adrian Ramirez. Ramirez walked Cyle Hankerd. Jorge Cantu lifted a sac fly to center that scored Lopez. Following a walk to Dustin Martin, Juan Apodaca singled to center to plate Hankerd and seal the 5-3 victory.
Mark Serrano got the win in relief with help from a hold by Juan Sandoval and a save from Jason Urquidez. Henry Garcia was saddled with the loss for Puebla.
Roberto Lopez was 4 for 5 with 2 doubles for Tijuana with Juan Apodaca going 3 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBIs and Cyle Hankerd 1 for 2 with the home run and 2 RBIs for the Toros/
Hector Garanzuay went 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs, Julio Borbon 2 for 4 and Ricky Rodriguez 2 foe 3 with a double and an RBI for Puebla.
The series now moves to Puebla for 3 games beginning on Friday the 8th of September.
For the Pericos to have a shot at the championship, they must win 2 of the 3 games in Puebla. The Toros on the other hand can take home the Copa Zaachila with 2 wins on the road at Estadio Hermanos Serdan.